We live in a world that’s driven by data – and not just the ‘big’ data devoured by business. Individuals want data during almost every waking moment, too. How else to explain the stratospheric rise of the smartphone and mobile data use?

The meteoric rise of mobile

Take a look at some statistics. High-speed 4G mobile data connections surpassed 1 billion in 2015 and 4G networks are now available in 151 countries around the world. Mobile data use has also grown 4,000-fold over the past 10 years, but that easy access to fast internet away from the home or office is more than just something that’s nice to have – it’s become pivotal to the global economy.

Now this obviously only applies to mobile data on the ground, but that demand doesn’t vanish the moment those data-hungry individuals step onto a plane. A 2015 Inmarsat survey, carried out with market research company GfK, found that 92% of airline passengers want to use the internet while flying, while the vast majority already chose their airlines based on its availability. Most important of all, they value a reliable connection above all else.

Smooth and seamless high-speed internet connectivity is something airlines will need to consider if they want to maintain customer loyalty and retention. But this isn’t something that needs solving just for today’s passenger experience. Inflight connectivity also needs to handle the much broader needs of the ‘complete connected aircraft’ of tomorrow.

More than just bandwidth

Next-generation inflight connectivity capable of meeting passenger demand is available now – and from a number of partners. Next-generation inflight connectivity that’s available reliably worldwide from a single partner, on the other hand, is available only from one – Inmarsat.

Dependable global mobile satellite communication is our core business and Inmarsat has been delivering it for more than 25 years for the aviation industry. We’re not just a bandwidth provider – we supply complete managed communications solutions across the entire value chain to leading commercial airlines and business jet operators.